January
Alpine opened the year with a motion to direct $10,000 to a program to bring a new school to the community.
Mora Moudy, born to Walker and Hailey Moudy on Jan. 5, was the Star Valley Health New Year’s baby.
Lower Valley Energy started working with the Wyoming’s Congressional Delegation over a proposal to breach the dams in the Columbia Gorge, a proposal that would have an impact on fees.
Lincoln County’s Law Enforcement Dispatch reported receiving 22,430 calls in the past year.
An avalanche claimed the life of Alpine resident David Rice in the Prater Canyon area during a backcountry ski trip.
The Greys River Collaborative program expanded to work with the area conservation districts, in addition to the Forest Service.
Rod Jensen reported to a Star Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon, household net income averaged $83,000.
February
Budget and property tax legislation was the focus of the Wyoming Legislature.
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman visited Alpine and spoke about the management of federal properties. The event was live-streamed by SVI Media.
Star Valley High School graduate Owen Madsen was honored in the Governor’s State of the State address for his training as a lineman at the Western Wyoming College program.
Star Valley High School Graduate Anna Altobell, accepted a full scholarship to Yale.
Lincoln County Treasurer Jerry Greenfield warned in a Star Valley Chamber Luncheon that a 50-percent cut in property taxes could lead to a state income tax.
March
SVHS Student Body presented “Guys & Dolls” as the Spring Musical
A series of property tax bills were passed by the Wyoming State Legislature and sent to Governor Mark Gordon. Gordon would sign four bills but vetoed the bill that would have given a 25% reduction across the board.
Star Valley Middle School’s Mr. Scott Milne was selected as the Wyoming Teacher of the Year.
April
SVHS Art Students received 131 ribbons at the State Art Symposium, a school record.
Brock Haderlie won the final Teen Vocalist competition.
Following an extensive and lengthy battle, the EPA withdrew its decision that the Town of Afton’s Intermittent Spring water source was under direct influence of surface water.
May
Adam Guild received a regional award for National High School Heart of the Arts in Education.
Cheri Marler of Kemmerer was convicted of child abuse and murder of a five-year-old girl.
Putz Miniature Golf Course opened in Etna at JACZ Restaurant.
Star Valley nurse, Marnie Lemon, took volunteer medical service to Thailand.
June
A rock slide threatened Afton’s Periodic Spring.
Terra Power broke ground on the Kemmerer Nuclear Plant.
Teton Pass reopened after being feverishly rebuilt after collapsing due to a mudslide.
Rowena Buehler was named Mrs. Wyoming America.
July
Alpine Fire District conducted a formal push-in ceremony for the new “Ladder 1” firetruck.
Independence Day celebrations included parades and ceremonies to celebrate our independence and freedoms as Americans.
Annual Star Valley Half Marathon held in memory of Jeremy Kunz for the 13th year.
George Howard Hemmert and Charles “Chuck” Frederick Sutter were inducted into the Afton Heritage Hall of Fame.
Garry Kennington was inducted into the Wyoming Arm Wrestling Hall of Fame.
“Heart of Star Valley” dedicated in Thayne. It is a stop for visitors to add locks to the heart to show their hearts are in Star Valley.
Construction began on Teton Pass Road.
The 1941 Big Boy steam engine stopped in Kemmerer.
August
Lincoln County Fair was held with the theme of “Best of the Best”. It featured the final Vocalist Competition as well as traditional livestock sales, community booths, rides, music, rodeos and many other shows and entertainment.
The Angel Moroni statue atop the Star Valley Temple was replaced after being struck by lightning.
The updated star, which was a two-year project on “Star Hill”, was lit for the first time on Saturday, August 10.
The growth of Alpine and the impact it will have on the town and Star Valley area was discussed by Alpine Mayor Erick Green.
Community members rallied to help at Shumway Farms after a lightning strike caused hay fire.
September
With an unprecedented influx of new industrial sites coming to Lincoln County in the next five years, the county launched a new transportation Master Plan to work through the details.
The Co-owners of Yankee Doodles Cafe in Alpine received a visit from the television show “America’s Best Restaurants” as they came and filmed at the local eatery. Alyshia Trujillo, Mariah Toucjian and Daniel Perez were highlighted in the episode.
Area residents packed the Donn Wooden Civic Center to hear a report and offer comment on a proposed charter school for the community of Alpine. There was general support for the charter school with site plans ranging from the bench area, a river walk location or placement by the library.
The Star Valley Braves ended the long-winning streak of the Sugar-Salem Diggers with a last-second touchdown in Idaho. It was just one of many milestones for the Braves through the season which culminated in the team’s third straight state title.
Jordyn Horsley became SVHS’s first individual state golf champion since 2008 as she had the lowest total score in any classification on her home course in Afton.
October
Randall Luthi was honored by the University of Wyoming for his professional achievements and support of the university as part of Homecoming activities in Laramie. Luthi was singled out as a distinguished alumni as he stated that “UW is a small school in terms of enrollment but big in attitude.”
Work began on Strawberry Road outside of Thayne as WYDOT started preparations to move the highway to better solve what is known as a dangerous intersection between Bedford and U.S. 89. The new road is coming in 2025.
Dr. Martha Hageman was honored by the Wyoming Medical Society as she was announced as the 2024 Wyoming Physician of the Year. Since the inception of the award in 1961, Hageman is the second female physician and the second physician overall from Star Valley to receive the honor.
Jase Burton, Habtamu Wetzel and Colton Cranney went 1-2-3 as the Star Valley Cross-Country team claimed their third straight team title. Burton become the eight Star Valley runner in the last nine years to win the overall state title which includes two wins by Wetzel.
The Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board officially approved the American Preparatory Academy model for the Town of Alpine. Mayor Eric Green expressed optimism about the new school, confirming that no new taxes will be implemented to fund its construction and operation.
November
The 113-acre, 184-lot Hemmert Ranch Subdivision in Thayne moved forward after three years of preparation and review. This could quadruple the town’s size.
Grizzly bear 399, was found dead far south of her usual territory, highlighting the expanding range of these animals. Game and Fish Department Director Anji Bruce addressed the ongoing challenges surrounding grizzly bear populations in the region.
Sweet 3-Peat- Braves made program history with a 20-7 win over the Cody Broncs at the 3-A Wyoming State Football Championship game in Laramie, Wyoming, earning themselves a 3-peat.
Star Valley High School administrators announced students will be expected to more fully follow the Lincoln County School District No. 2 policy (JICJ) which dictates student use of smart devices during instructional time.
December
Lighting up the holiday season- Thanksgiving weekend in Star Valley included traditional events welcoming in the Christmas season, including the Town of Afton Parade of Lights and the Star Valley Festival of Trees.
All-American! SVHS senior, Jase Burton, placed 17th at the NikeCross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. His efforts earned him the title of cross-country All-American, the first in program history.
Star Valley Health is expanding services in Alpine- Alpine will receive a 24/7 ER, OR, and Cardiac Catheter Lab in mid-January. The facility will feature two operating suites, including a hybrid cardiac room, and will continue to expand its outpatient services.
Star Valley’s 2024 Festival of Trees event raised $24,638.01 through sponsorships, tree and gingerbread house auctions, experience, and product sales. Proceeds from the festival were presented to the three food banks in Star Valley, with each food bank location receiving a check for $8212.67.
